Timothée Chalamet has shared insights into his preparation for the role of Marty Mauser in the upcoming film Marty Supreme, revealing that he dedicated six years to training with a table tennis coach. In an interview with Good Morning America co-anchor George Stephanopoulos, Chalamet expressed a deep personal connection to his character, a young man driven to become a champion table tennis player.
Chalamet, 29, articulated how he resonates with the ambitions of Marty, stating, “He has a huge dream. And when you have a big dream in life, and you don’t really have anyone supporting you when you’re young, you’re your best supporter.” He elaborated on the dual nature of ambition, highlighting both its inspiring qualities and the potential for selfishness.
Reflections on Dreams and Ambition
During the conversation, Chalamet reflected on his own journey, noting, “A significant part of who I was in my early 20s or late teens was deeply motivated to have an acting career.” He emphasized that pursuing a dream does not have to be a solitary endeavor, asserting that it can also be communal. “This story’s representative of the fact that you can pursue a singular dream that doesn’t have to be a selfish one,” he added.
One poignant moment in the film comes when Gwyneth Paltrow, who plays retired actress Kay Stone, poses a challenge to Marty: “What do you plan to do if this little dream of yours doesn’t work out?” Chalamet noted that in real life, his family encouraged him to have backup plans, a sentiment he now appreciates as beneficial advice. “But in the moment, I felt like if all my energy’s not going towards a plan A, I’m gonna end up doing something I don’t wanna do in life,” he remarked.
Supporting Cast and Promotion Strategies
Chalamet praised Kevin O’Leary, known for his role on Shark Tank, for his impressive performance in his acting debut as Paltrow’s character’s husband, Milton. “He was fantastic in the movie,” Chalamet noted, commending O’Leary’s confidence and ability to perform without showing signs of anxiety. “The biggest thing that can read as insincere from a non-actor is a level of tension or anxiety… And Kevin had none of that,” he said.
The promotional campaign for Marty Supreme has been equally striking, featuring a unique orange Ping-Pong ball blimp and custom merchandise. Chalamet remarked on the importance of taking an unconventional approach to promote the film, emphasizing a personal sense of authorship in the process. “The principal part is a feeling of authorship… But the bigger, more important thing is I want the movie to succeed,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Chalamet shared his thoughts on what success means for the film. “The real truth is that ‘Marty Supreme,’ I feel confident to the degree that by next summer… I’m confident I know what it’s gonna be by next summer,” he said, indicating a strong belief in the film’s potential.
As anticipation builds for Marty Supreme, which premieres on December 8, 2025, Chalamet’s reflections on ambition and passion resonate with audiences, offering a glimpse into both his character’s journey and his own personal growth.
